Maple Leafs acquire $60 Million defenseman in outlandish trade proposal
Photo credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs could use some defense, and with Nick Robertson and William Villeneuve lacking opportunities, some see them both as disposable.
One thing that the Toronto Maple Leafs need to improve right now is their defense, and the lack of offense coming from the blue line.
There are only a few options out there right now, including Rasmus Andersson and Dougie Hamilton. However, there are plenty of other guys out there who could make an impact.
One of those players is Ivan Provorov of the Columbus Blue Jackets, who is having a down year after signing a seven-year, $59.5 million deal.
Some mock trade creators out there see a world in which the Blue Jackets cut him loose, and one viral trade proposal sees him going to the Maple Leafs.
Trade proposal sees Ivan Provorov come to Toronto
This trade does come at a cost. The Leafs get Provorov at 50 percent retained, while also picking up enforcer Mathieu Olivier.
Meanwhile, the Leafs would be giving up Nick Robertson, William Villeneuve, a first-round pick in 2028, and a fourth-round pick in 2026.
This is a very unlikely trade, especially when you consider how the Leafs would much prefer to have a right-handed defenseman.
Is this a good trade?
When you look at the move in totality, it just feels like a mistake, as Villeneuve is someone with lots of potential, who would be a lot cheaper.
Not to mention, Nick Robertson is hitting his stride, and it would be a lot better if the Leafs just kept him over the long haul.
It's tough situation, but at this point in the season, Ivan Provorov is not the guy who is going to move the needle for the Leafs, and that is a fact.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 25 | 429 ANSWERS Maple Leafs acquire $60 Million defenseman in outlandish trade proposal Do you believe the Toronto Maple Leafs should trade for Ivan Provorov? | ||
| YES | 161 | 37.5 % |
| NO | 268 | 62.5 % |
| List of polls | ||